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Severe Covid-19 patients are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
JAKARTA – People who are patients in the hospital due to a new type of corona virus infection (Covid-19) are at risk of developing PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a condition that usually arises after someone experiences or witnesses an unpleasant event.
The Covid-19 trauma response working group led by University College London involving experts from the UK revealed research related to this. In a statement, it was stated that patients with a new type of corona virus infection who were most at risk of developing PTSD were those with severe symptoms and until they were in the intensive care unit.
Reported BBC, experts say that routine inspection must last at least one year. More than 100 thousand people were hospitalized because of Covid-19 and tens of thousands of them experienced symptoms of severe illness that risked PTSD.
The working group highlighted research showing 30 percent of patients suffering from severe illnesses in past outbreaks of infectious diseases have developed PTSD. Meanwhile, problems of depression and anxiety also often occur.
Tracy, one of the Covid-19 patients who later suffered psychological problems after recovering from a new type of corona virus infection, told her story. He was treated at Whittington Hospital in London in March and spent more than three weeks there, including being in an intensive care unit.
“It feels like being in hell. I see people dying. All medical staff wearing masks, all of their faces covered. You can only see their eyes. It feels very lonely and scary, “Tracy said.
Until then, Tracy was declared recovered and was able to be discharged from the hospital in April. The 59-year-old woman was then not relieved. He often has trouble sleeping because he keeps remembering his condition at a critical time.
“It’s really difficult, physically very tired. “My body is recovering, but on the other hand, I’m not mentally,” said Tracy.
Michael Bloomfield, a psychiatrist who is also a member of the working group, said that Covid-19 patients in the hospital will face a very frightening and invasive experience. This condition is also compounded by long-term complications that they will be at risk of experiencing stress and related mental health disorders.
Moreover, Covid-19 patients must also be isolated from their families while in the hospital, something that makes mental problems worse. Bloomfield asserted that the patient received full support despite being away from the family for a while.
Therefore, all Covid-19 patients after treatment in the hospital will be scheduled to have further consultation sessions. An assessment of how their health condition will be conducted during the meeting session.
Source: Republic
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